Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Properties of a Large-Pore Metal-Organic Framework Possessing Single-Site Vanadyl(monocatecholate) Moieties

Through a combination of protecting groups, postsynthesis deprotection, and postsynthesis metallation, a homogeneously inaccessible, single-site vanadyl-(monocatecholate) moiety can be incorporated into the dipyridyl struts of a Zn-based, pillared paddlewheel MOF. The resulting MOF, which has large pores, exhibits catalytic activity in the benzylic oxidation of tetralin in the presence of tert-butylhydroperoxide.